NCJ Number
183709
Date Published
October 1999
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This report evaluates Delaware's juvenile drug court diversion program.
Abstract
Delaware's statewide Juvenile Drug Court program is the only one of its kind in the nation. Since its establishment in 1995, the program has significantly reduced the overall recidivism rate of Delaware's substance-abuse offenders; reduced the arrest rates of Juvenile Drug Court participants; and reduced new offense rates, arrest rates on any category of offense, and arrest rates on felony-level drug offenses of program graduates. To maximize the benefits of the program for minority participants, program designers and implementers must determine how to enlist the counsel of community-based leaders; increase parental participation and provide increased parental support; better screen juveniles for needs beyond their substance-abuse issues; and enhance the aftercare program in culturally competent ways. The report describes program entry and exit, treatment, court proceedings, court form data, the population affected, program completion, recidivism and gender, minority status, and program effectiveness. Tables, figures